John and I presented “Eat Right with Color” on Saturday March 12^th to a group of 17 children at Port Discover in Elizabeth City.

The somewhat reluctant children took part in our Fruit and Vegetable-inspired Fear Factor.  They sampled 9 different fruits and vegetables: carrot chips, red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, kiwi, blood oranges, raspberries, avocado, beets and dates. Before we served each item, we discussed its history, nickname and particular health benefits. For example, the avocado is called the “Alligator Pear” and it is high in healthy monounsaturated fat. Some of the fruits and vegetables were familiar to the children, but many were new to them. We noticed that the children seemed to be less “fearful” when a child sitting at table with them did not show fear and was quick to pop the sample in their mouth. A perfect example of healthy peer pressure! After tasting, we had them rate each item them with a thumbs up or thumbs down. We kept a running tally on the board (see photo below). We then had them share what they liked or did not like about the item. 

The Top Five Favorite Fruits & Vegetables were:

1^st place: Kiwi

2^nd place: Blood oranges

3^rd place: Carrot chips

4^th place: Red peppers

5^th place: Dates

Many of the children discovered new fruits and vegetables that they liked and took home their tally sheets to share with their parents.  Our own children were even surprised. Our son found that he likes blood oranges and our daughter found that she absolutely loves beets. They went home and added these to the week’s grocery list!

We also did a Funky Fruit and Vegetable Art activity using dyes from blueberries, beets, onions and spinach to paint pictures. The kids loved this and also enjoyed the aromas that came from their paint colors! (See photo below)

The messages that we want the children to take home from the “Eat Right with Color” presentation are:

Fruits and vegetables are vital to our good health

Eating “From the Rainbow” – choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables tastes great

Fruits and vegetables can come in many different forms-fresh, canned, dried or frozen

Phytochemicals (plant chemicals) are what give fruits and vegetables their color and are also what will fight to keep us healthy

The health benefits of phytochemicals cannot be put into a pill, so eat and enjoy your fruits and vegetables!

It’s Your Health. It’s Your Life. Make That Change!

~ Angie

In recognition of Registered Dietitian Day today, Nutrition Pair, LLC would like to share their Top 10. Registered Dietitians (RD’s) are the nation’s food and nutrition experts and are committed to improving the health of their clients and the community. Below are the Top 10 reasons to seek the advice of a Registered Dietitian (RD):

1. You want factual, evidence-based nutrition information
2. To get support, encouragement and coaching to help meet your health goals
3. You want to gain or lose weight
4. You want to improve your performance in sports, in school or on the job
5. To obtain food-based solutions instead of fad diets or supplements
6. RD’s can help you meet your food and nutrition goals while keeping within your budget
7. They are able to translate scientific research in an easy to understand manner
8. Some RD’s are specially trained to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy to treat diabetes, cardiovascular disease and/or kidney disease
9. They can be an integral part of your health-care team and are the only professionals licensed to provide individualized dietary prescriptions

10. They are THE food and nutrition experts!

Angie & John Lamberson are Registered Dietitians, Certified Diabetes Educators and owners of Nutrition Pair, LLC. They provide individual nutrition counseling/coaching, group presentations and nutrition consulting services for health care facilities and organizations. Contact them at www.nutritionpair.com or 252-335-WELL.

It’s Your Health.  It’s Your Life.  Make That Change!

~ Angie

The weather is changing, the wind is blowing and some of our trees are staring to bloom.  This is the time to break away from the winter blahs and start looking towards the Spring and a “rebirth” of life! March is celebrated as National Nutrition Month.  This years theme is, “Eat Right with Color”.  Increasing the number of colorful foods to your plates by adding more fruits and vegetables will help you to add more vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and phyto-chemicals to your diet.  Research continues to show the benfits of eating more fruits and vegetables.  From weight loss to better blood pressure control, to improved blood sugar levels, you can’t go wrong with fruits and vegetables!  We encourage our clients to get at least 2-3 pieces of fresh fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables everyday for better health.  If that seems like more than you usually eat, start small and work your way up.  Fresh or frozen, cooked or raw, frtuis and vegetables will provide you with more flavors, more nutrients and more protection!  Eat from the natural rainbow of colors!  Visit the American Dietetics Association site for more great tips on adding more colors to your plate!

It’s Your Health.  It’s Your Life.  Make That Change!

~John